And although I loathe cold weather, there is something magical about the shore in the fall and winter. A desolate beach is utterly inspiring.

And while I typically enjoy writing on a cold beach (or sitting fireside on a snowy day, next to an open window… listening to the waves crashing), tonight wasn’t a writing adventure. I simply wanted to find “peace.”

Mission accomplished.

I’m convinced peace is found in a picnic basket.

Maybe you enjoy a mountain top.

Perhaps your soul feels “at home” on a lake.

How about a park, where the noisy streets fade away? (I’m thinking Central Park- if you ever get a chance… lie upon the grass and soak it up)

Regardless of the “where,” there is no time like now, to grab a picnic basket and go. Sunday is the perfect day, for a picnic. Just breathe. Just take it all in. Just let go.

My picnic didn’t cost me one penny (other than gas and the “stuff” we already had at home). In fact, I specifically avoided going out and “buying things” for the adventure- we try not to “waste” anything (especially time and food).

Even though I didn’t go out and buy special champagne or fine foods, we had a most amazing trip. I highly suggest doing the same- make it a challenge. Look in the fridge/cabinets and see what you can create!

Our picnic basket was filled with vegan foods, of course.

Fill yours with what fills your soul, too.

(Food is peace n’ love)

We started our festivities with crackers and “cheese spreads,” by Treeline Cheese- they are amazing!

Treeline Cheese is a nut based “cheese” and it’s one of the best I’ve ever had. Can’t say enough about it!

After cheese n’ crackers, we enjoyed a tub of Organic Avocado & Jalapeno Hummus (homemade)! Making homemade hummus is super easy! (recipe at the bottom of page).

Hummus is also packed with protein and is ridiculously inexpensive to make at home. Win, win, win!For our main course – soup!

(yes, I guess my picnics have “courses”- I’m Italian. Enough said)

It’s cold in New England at the beach this time of year. Last night it was about 55 with the wind.

In the fridge we had leftover ” Organic Peruvian Quinoa Soup,” nice! The soup is gluten free/dairy free/nut free/soy-free and vegan, awesome! If you have food allergies or are veg- you’ll love this soup. (recipe at bottom of the page).

Quinoa is arguably one of the healthiest foods on our planet- it’s high in protein, amino acids and is very well tolerated for individuals with stomach issues.

And it’s pretty! Quinoa has a variety of colors – I always choose red quinoa for my recipes.

And it’s cheap! (can you tell I’m a fan?)

Give it a shot, yourself!

Of course, we had a “Salted Rim Chronicle” picnic…..

For a cheap, easy, and “picnic style” pseudo-margarita try this- hard cider with a shot of good tequila and a shot of orange liquor (I like Grand Marnier).

It’s a beautiful thing, trust me!

Our night was utterly perfect.

With a seemingly full “Supermoon” over the beach- the waves were crashing.

The sand was fully illuminated and the desolate landscape was utterly serene.

I told my husband I was in “heaven.” That’s what it felt like, anyhow.

There is beauty in simplicity.

A picnic basket, the sounds of nature and love.

Do it with your best furry friend- dogs are pure love.

Do it with your partner- don’t underestimate the power of a simple day or night together. Connection.

Do it with yourself- the perspective that comes from being alone is invaluable.

There is peace in a picnic basket.

One last note ~ I know it’s “Sunday Funday.” Maybe today isn’t a picnic day for you, maybe it’s all about FOOTBALL – hell ya!

GO COWBOYS~ Atlanta who??

Sorry- I couldn’t resist.

Don’t hate. The blog is all love, all the time.

Anyhow, fellow football fans- enjoy your day and picnic on another occasion.

And I’ve got something for you too- a special Sunday-Funday margarita! Stay tuned!

(Or if you’re impatient, you can check out some phenomenal margaritas here!).

Here are the two recipes I talked about above.

Peruvian Quinoa Soup

(recipe I tweaked a bit, but learned from the book “30 Minute Vegan” by Mark Reinfeld and Jennifer Murray- highly recommend)

In a large stock pot, sauté garlic, onion, and jalapeño, in olive oil. Add veggie stock, quinoa, and tahini- boil at medium high as you prepare/chop veggies. Add all chopped veggies to stock as you go (start with the ones that take longer to cook such as potatoes). Once all added, cook until potatoes and quinoa is cooked- about 20 minutes. Add parsley, salt and pepper. Done! Top with cilantro and enjoy! (Side note, I like to squeeze a little lime and put a dash or two of sriracha or other hot sauce on top ~ perfecto!).

Throw it all in your food processor until smooth- done! Top with a little chili powder for good looks. How easy is that? Inexpensive, healthy, and delicious ~ beautiful!

Happy cooking~

If you try the recipes, let us know what you think!

What are you doing with your time this weekend?

When was the last time you packed a picnic?

Where are your favorite places near your home?

I’d love to hear your voice ~ we all have a story.

And don’t forget to “like” The Salted Rim Chronicle on Facebook for updates or subscribe (place your email in the subscribe box below) to get the latest stories!

Journey on,

JD

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About Janet

Janet is professional writer, psychotherapist, coach, and strategy consultant. Admittedly, Janet is a learning junkie who is highly addicted to life experiences and slightly addicted to margaritas. To learn more about The Salted Rim Chronicle and Janet in her own words, click more: